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"Stagger" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "tambalearse", and "waver" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "temblar". Learn more about the difference between "stagger" and "waver" below.
stagger(
stah
-
guhr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. tambalearse
Juan and his friends drunkenly staggered out of the bar and into a taxi.Borrachos, Juan y sus amigos salieron tambaleándose del bar y se subieron a un taxi.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. dejar anonadado
The exorbitant price of dinner staggered everyone at the table.El precio exorbitante de la cena dejó anonadados a todos los que estaban en la mesa.
b. dejar pasmado
The rudeness of our guests completely staggered me.La grosería de nuestros huéspedes me dejó totalmente pasmado.
a. escalonar
It will be easier if everyone staggers their breaks instead of leaving all at once.Sería más facil si todos escalonaran sus pausas en vez de salir todos a la vez.
waver(
wey
-
vuhr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
1. (to tremble)
a. temblar
The candle flame wavered slightly in the draft, but didn't go out.La llama de la vela tembló un poco por la corriente, pero no se apagó.
a. vacilar
For a second, the parachutist wavered, then he jumped out of the plane.El paracaidista vaciló un momento, luego se tiró del avión.
b. dudar
I was still wavering about the job offer - it would mean moving to another city.Seguía dudando sobre el trabajo que me habían ofrecido, significaría mudarme a otra ciudad.
c. titubear
The speaker began to waver, and peered at his notes.El orador empezó a titubear y miró detenidamente sus notas.
3. (to falter)
a. flaquear
His family knew he was innocent, and never wavered in their support for him.Su familia sabía que era inocente y nunca flaqueó en su apoyo.
